Hearts recovered from an early setback to defeat Aberdeen 2-1 at Tynecastle on Friday night, dealing a significant blow to the Dons' Scottish Premiership title hopes. Simon Church put Aberdeen ahead within four minutes, but Juanma equalised before half-time and scored the winner after the break.
The victory was all the more impressive given that Hearts had been hit by a viral epidemic during the week, leaving several players doubtful. Manager Robbie Neilson made only one change from the side that lost to Celtic, with Blazej Augustyn replacing the suspended Juwon Oshaniwa.
Aberdeen started brightly and took the lead through Church, who turned in Graeme Shinnie's cross from close range. The Dons continued to press, with Church and Niall McGinn both going close, but Hearts goalkeeper Neil Alexander made several crucial saves to keep his side in the game.
Hearts grew into the contest and levelled when Juanma headed home from a corner just before half-time. The Spanish striker then completed the turnaround after the interval, nodding in a cross to seal a memorable win for the home side.
The result leaves Aberdeen nine points clear of Hearts in second place, but the Edinburgh side have a game in hand. The jubilant Hearts fans taunted their Aberdeen counterparts with chants of 'Aberdeen, we're coming for you,' as the battle for second place intensifies.
